It sucks. Thanks for asking.
Since the end of August I’ve posted at least a dozen ads in various online and IRL places. I’ve talked to or e-mailed probably 20 people. I’ve invited three people to come to our house for an interview, and two of them didn’t even bother to show up. No call, no e-mail no apology, just me sitting there explaining to the kids that I don’t know where the babysitter is or why she didn’t come, and yes as a matter of fact it IS extremely rude to just not show up when you’ve been invited somewhere, interview or not. And the one person who did actually show up called us the next day to say sorry, she’s decided to go back to school in January, but she’d be happy to sit occasionally on weekends for us.
Two and a half months down, and no leads whatsoever.
Am thinking of moving beyond the free online classifieds that have worked for me thus far and beyond the notice pasted on the community board at the supermarket. Would you pay $70 to have access to an online database of nannies? Any other thoughts on how I can broaden my search?
Anybody got Mary Poppins’ number?
Have you attended a Connection meeting at your local Early Years Centre? I know they all have them…It is basically home caregivers in your area. Give them a call. Not sure if they are open today though. Meetings are usally every second Thursday night or something.
Good luck – finding good care is a bitch!
Have you checked with other nannies? I would go through an agency – even if it costs. Diamond in Toronto is supposed to be excellent. I don’t know if they service this area??
I have heard of something called Canadian sitter, I believe they have an online database (not sure if you have to pay)…I am thinking of you, wishing you luck in this most important endeavour!
Have you tried CCPRN? They had a child care connection meeting in your area a week ago but if you call them up I am sure they can help you out.
http://www.ccprn.com/en/childcare-connection
I had the same problem–I’ve used Canadian Nanny and Canadian sitter with some success but you still have the same problems with no shows and abilities that you always get. I have a live-in Nanny arriving from Philippenes at the end of January…controversial, yes, but practical. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Definitely get the CanadianNanny.ca membership. Seriously. I found a part-time nanny there (until I go back full time in new year), and had about 20 people apply. You can do searches for full and part time. I recommend it.
Ulgh. I have no advice, just lots and lots of sympathy.
Just thought I’d add my two cents. International Nannies is how we found our current caregiver. After months and months of frustrating search, two horrible experiences with live-in nannies, another with a home daycare, we were discouraged, depressed and desperate. Jennifer helped us, consoled us and found us exactly what we were looking for: a local young girl, with an ECE background, live-out. She’s been with us since last December. The kids love her and we know they are in good hands. If we had known about International Nannies (don’t let the name fool you, they offer a range of nannies, babysitters, caregivers etc. with a range of backgrounds and qualifications) it would have saved us a lot of heartache (and money!). We did the nanny web sites and paid for the services and we were only left disappointed. IN charges a moderate finders fee (not thousands like other agencies out there), and they offer a guaranteed replacement if things don’t work out within a certain period of time (six months I think). I’d be happy to share Jennifer’s coordinates if you want – just email me.
Natalie
Craigslist is how we got lucky finding ours …